Study in Singapore Guide for Malaysian Students

As a Malaysian, you’ve probably heard words exchanged and criticism against our neighbour, Singapore. At the same time, however, one cannot deny the impact Singapore has had and the power and influence the country holds on not just Asia, but the world. Curious about higher education in Singapore? We've got just the guide for you.

What’s in Singapore?

The question is: what’s not in Singapore? While Singapore is a very young country itself, it has exceeded in every other aspect, at a very fast pace. Having been 2nd out of 144 countries ranked in the Global Information Technology Report 2014 (World Economic Forum) along with being one of the most competitive, safest, smartest and innovative cosmopolitans and financial hubs in the world, Singapore is an impressive case study. Among its fellow Asian countries, Singapore – termed the ‘Lion City’ – is also part of the four Asian Tigers due to its economy and financial progression, alongside Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan.

Although Singapore gained independence only 50 years ago, two of its public universities – Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and National University of Singapore (NUS) – not only consecutively rank as top 2 in Asia, but under top 15 in the world. It is this that attracts students from all over the world to enrol in Singapore’s universities and earn a world-class degree, ranked alongside other elite institutions in the UK and USA, for example.

Factoring in these characteristics contributes to Singapore being a hotbed for a multicultural and diverse society, where, as it’s commonly said, East meets West. The city-state draws from its colonial era as well, leading to a fusion of cultures whether in architecture, food or entertainment. In Singapore, there’s something for everyone. As a Malaysian student, however, Singapore wouldn't be much of a culture shock for you. Much of the culture, food and people aren't very different from Malaysia - but it would still be a new experience for you.

Here we also find that language isn’t a barrier in Singapore, as it often is with Asian countries; English is heralded as the national language, along with Mandarin, Tamil and Malay. So, as a Malaysian, you wouldn't have much to worry about!

While Singapore may, however, be a relatively expensive city to reside in compared to Malaysia, several measures are taken by the government to allow for an easier and more convenient lifestyle, with 80% of it’s population residing in government-subsidized housing and public transportation being encouraged by the government as well. At the same time, given the country’s status in the world, many do find it worth it, living and flourishing in Singapore.

Top Universities in Singapore

During the Programme for International Assessment (Pisa) in 2016, it was found that children from Singapore came out on top in the world for the subjects of Maths, Science and Literacy Skills. With a solid foundation during the primary and secondary schooling years, it’s easy to see why Singapore’s universities consistently out-perform many of the world’s rest; not only in ranking but quality in teaching, research and facilities available, among several other factors.

With 50,000 international students enrolling in Singaporean universities annually, competition tends to be high. The most popular and highly-ranked of these are as below:

Universities and colleges in Singapore typically follow a two-semester format, whereby 1st semesters commence in August annually, with a winter break between December and January of the following year, after which the 2nd semester commences and ends in May, followed by a semester break through to July. Semester breaks, especially during the summer are an ideal chance for students to search for part-time jobs or internships as well, giving an extra oomph to their resumes upon graduation – and some extra cash in the pockets to splurge!

While NUS and NTU are amongst the most popular of institutions in Singapore, several other institutions provide students with many choices, both in qualification and type of degree obtained. This means that many institutions in Singapore too offer overseas degrees to students without them having to leave the country, through partner institutions Singapore’s higher education institutions can be profiled as the following:

1. Public Universities

Although these receive government funding, they are autonomous – meaning they can strategise, innovate, and differentiate themselves as they pursue excellence in education, research, and service. Example: National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore Management University (SMU)

2 . Private Universities

Although privately funded, these institution receive government funding for students to pursue subsidised part-time or full-time degrees. Example: Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS, formerly known as SIM University)

3. Polytechnic Institutions

These offer practice-oriented studies at diploma level and are key providers of continuing education and post-employment professional development services. Example: Nanyang Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic

4. Institute of Technical Education (ITE)

The ITEs offer technical-oriented studies and help to develop technical knowledge and skills of their students. Here, students are provide with the option of choosing between full or part-time educational or traineeship courses. Example: TITE College, ITE College East

5. Foreign Universities

With branch campuses in Singapore, these universities offer undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Example: INSEAD Asia Campus, James Cook University Singapore

Students are generally advised to choose their institution based on their own preference and field of study.

Did you know? Singapore ranks as the 15th best Student City in the world.

What to study in Singapore?

Among other courses, some of the most popular courses in Singapore are Law, Medicine, Accounting, Information Technology and Communication Studies. In additon, we've prepared lists of universities in Singapore grouped by subject:

Entry Requirements

Prior to choosing the right university for you, it is crucial to ensure that you are capable of meeting the entry requirements and tuition fees of the university. Do note thatSingaporean universities, while placing high in global rankings, are extremely competitive to achieve a placement in, and can have relatively expensive tuition fees as well. However, scholarships are often readily available – in particular to Malaysians and other ASEAN nationals – and can be a convenient solution to this.

Academic Entry Requirements

Generally, academic entry requirements differ according to the course a prospective student wants to apply for, as well as the institution they hope to enrol in. For a Bachelor’s Degree course in Singapore, Malaysian students must have completed the following academic qualifications:

SPM (Form 5) or UEC with a minimum of 4 passes

STPM with a minimum of 2 passes

For those who have completed other pre-university courses such as the O-Level and A-Level (or equivalent), a minimum of 3 O-Level passes and 2 A-Level passes are required.

Some courses require students to have completed their pre-university qualification in specific subjects. For example, if you wish you study Engineering, subjects such as Maths should be taken up and completed during your pre-university.

Language Entry Requirements

As the English Language is the medium of instruction in Singaporean universities and colleges, it is required for students to have completed an English Proficiency test prior to applying for a course. Minimum grades usually depend on the course and institution, but average language entry requirements include a minimum:

Overall 6.0 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Overall 79 in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Overall 58 in the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)

Overall 200 in the Malaysian University English Test (MUET)

Tuition Fees

Cashing in on your future can tend to be pricey, more so in a country like Singapore. However, students are encouraged to search for scholarships, many of which are readily available for Malaysian students as well. General tuition fees per year at Singaporean universities for various qualifications are listed as below.

Study level

SGD

MYR

Foundation / Pre-U

12,000 - 18,000

35,000 - 54,000

Diploma

5,000 - 18,000

15,000 - 54,000

Bachelor's degree

20,000 - 60,000

60,000 - 178,000

Master's degree

30,000 - 90,000

89,000 - 267,000

PhD

20,000 - 90,000

60,000 - 267,000

*Tuition prices in MYR are subject to conversion from SGD

Living Costs

Having been voted under the 10 most expensive cities in Asia, Singapore can be quite a leap, if you’re coming from Malaysia. If you tend to have the habit of constantly converting between currencies in your head while residing in a new country, the Singaporean dollar may seem a far stretch from the Malaysian ringgit.

However, while Singapore may be an expensive city to reside in, it too ranks as one of the best places in Asia to reside in as well. A financial hub and multinational hub for not just Asia but the world, Singapore can be a treat to live in where students gain plenty of exposure to not just Asian culture but to the West as well.

When it comes to living costs in Singapore, much of students’ monthly expenditure depends on the student and their preferred lifestyle.

Expense category

Monthly cost in SGD

Monthly cost in MYR

Student accommodation

200 - 800

600 - 2,400

Transport, monthly pass

100 - 120

300 - 360

McDonald's combo meal

8

24

Simple meal in a foodcourt

6 - 10

18 - 30

A pair of jeans (Levi's 501 or similar)

90

270

Did you know? Full-time students in Singapore are entitled to concessions while using the MRT!

For students looking to combat their monthly expenses, the Immigrations and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) in Singapore allows for international students to seek part-time work: 16 hours per week during the academic term and an unrestricted number of hours during term vacations. Not only does this give students the independence of not having to fully rely on their parents, but it too helps to boost students’ resumes upon graduation.

Application & Visa Requirements

The following illustration shows the high-level process of applying to universities in Singapore. For specific details please contact EasyUni.

After having met the entry requirements and decided on which university in Singapore you wish to attend, students must begin their course application.

When to apply to Singapore?

If you’re looking to enrol in an undergraduate course in Singapore, it is best to apply as early as possible. Students are encouraged to apply using forecast results if available, instead of waiting on their pre-university results and losing out on a particular admission date or semester. For example, if you’re considering applying to a course which assumes in August, start applying for your chosen Singaporean university starting February that year – or even earlier!

For Malaysian students, obtaining a student pass is an integral part of the application process, as without it, you won’t be a registered student in Singapore. Once you are accepted into your university of choice, your student visa will be applied for by the university itself. However, you must apply for a Student Pass to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) between 1 to 2 months before the start of your course. You need to have the information provided by your university after acceptance, and submit:

eForm 16

Passport details

Your university’s address

Your email address

A passport sized photo

Following your arrival in Singapore, you would be required to visit the ICA for the collection of your Student Pass, inclusive of a fee of S$60.

Student Life

Coming from Malaysia, student life in Singapore would be comparatively different. While Malaysia averages an area of 330,803 km2, Singapore’s area rounds up to a small 719.9km2. However, a difference in area doesn’t necessarily mean a lack of opportunities.

While Singapore may not be home to islands, mountains and natural forests, its appeal lies in its modernity and urbanization. As a cosmopolitan, Singapore offers students a life of luxury; work hard, play hard is the ethic and, during days off, students can spend their time exploring the nooks and crannies or branching out to spend the weekends at the infamous Resorts World Sentosa, one of Asia’s top attractions harbouring a little something for everyone – including Universal Studios!

After-Graduation Opportunities in Singapore

Completing your studies from Singapore offers students a multitude of options concerning what’s next, instead of merely returning home to Malaysia upon graduation.

Extend studying

Whether you chose to pursue a Pre-University course, Diploma or Degree course in Singapore, there’s always the possibility of being one step ahead. Many tend to prefer continuing their studies after wrapping up their Degree or Diploma, such as pursuing a Master’s or PhD at one of many elite institutions in Singapore.

Obtain a long-term visit pass

Intrigued to continue staying in Singapore after graduating? Malaysian students who wish to stay in Singapore for a while longer, whether for leisure of to find work are allowed to apply for a long-term visit pass. This pass enables international students to continue residing in the country for up to 12 months. Students can find out more about this on the official ICA website.

In order to apply for a long-term visit pass, ensure that your student pass is valid for another 10 days, at the very least. Otherwise, graduates will not be allowed to apply for the pass.

Seek employment

Working in one of the biggest and most innovative hubs of not just Asia but the world pushes students to make the most out of their careers. While the job market may be tough, it is only due to the high rate of competitiveness. However, if you do manage to obtain a job in Singapore, your career may just get the head start it needs!

Did you know? Once you begin earning a minimum of SGD3,000 (MYR8,900) monthly, you are also eligible to apply for a Singaporean Permanent Residence (PR) pass.

Return home

So you’ve finished your studies in Singapore and wish to head back home for employment because, after all, Malaysia boleh! Before you pack up and head back, however, do ensure that your bills, accommodation and other possessions are all taken care of. Concerning your degree certificate, graduates must have collected it and any other relevant documents from their university before leaving the country as well.